There is news that United States Air Force has announced its first air wing that will comprise of unmanned craft. The 174th Fighter Wing that used F-16s will replace it with MQ-9 Reapers. Apart from the cost factor, the drone incurs lesser maintenance and fuel costs, it also can stay in the air up to 14 hours, waiting for the enemy to make some activity. The MQ-9s cost has doubled in the last few years, to about $18 million per aircraft (with all the high end sensors). The 4.7 ton Reaper boasts of a wingspan of 66 feet and a payload of 1.5 tons. Reaper is considered a combat aircraft, because it can carry everything from the hundred pound Hellfire missile, to the 500 pound laser or GPS guided smart bomb. Reaper has a laser designator, as well as day and night (infrared) cameras. Reaper can stay in the air for over 14 hours and operate at up to 50,000 feet. Its sensors have excellent resolution, and are effective at high altitudes.
There is news that United States Air Force has announced its first air wing that will comprise of unmanned craft. The 174th Fighter Wing that used F-16s will replace it with MQ-9 Reapers. Apart from the cost factor, the drone incurs lesser maintenance and fuel costs, it also can stay in the air up to 14 hours, waiting for the enemy to make some activity. The MQ-9s cost has doubled in the last few years, to about $18 million per aircraft (with all the high end sensors). The 4.7 ton Reaper boasts of a wingspan of 66 feet and a payload of 1.5 tons. Reaper is considered a combat aircraft, because it can carry everything from the hundred pound Hellfire missile, to the 500 pound laser or GPS guided smart bomb. Reaper has a laser designator, as well as day and night (infrared) cameras. Reaper can stay in the air for over 14 hours and operate at up to 50,000 feet. Its sensors have excellent resolution, and are effective at high altitudes.
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